A day of Azerbaijani culture is held at the headquarters of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
On May 11, a day of Azerbaijani culture took place at the headquarters of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Beijing.
Held with joint support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Azerbaijan’s Embassy in the People’s Republic of China, the event was attended by representatives of China’s state entities, ambassadors of about thirty countries operating in Beijing, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and Azerbaijanis residing in this country. The cultural day was the first event of Azerbaijan to take place in the framework of SCO.
Visitors made themselves familiarized with stands comprised of photocompositions reflecting Azerbaijan’s culture, historical and cultural monuments, architectural treasures, as well as the stand related to Baku’s candidacy to host the World Exhibition in 2025.
Carpets, national music instruments, examples of coppersmith art, national garments related to various districts of Azerbaijan, as well as works by young artist Fidan Kim embodying Azerbaijani and Chinese ornaments were displayed at an exhibition called “A Pearl of Azerbaijan” arranged in the organization’s building, within the framework of the event. Moreover, visitors gained a chance to become closely acquainted with carpet-weaving and lattice arts of our people. Visitors were distributed various publications of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation related to Azerbaijan’s culture, including its music, literature, carpet-making art, and cuisine.
Moderators of the event emphasized our country’s having ancient history, and rich culture. This time, as an exclusion, a day of culture of Azerbaijan – a country not being a member of the organization, with the status of “partner for dialogue” - is arranged in the framework of the events held under the project “SCO is our common home”, aiming to introduce cultures of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member-countries. This is an obvious indication of Azerbaijan’s attaching importance to cooperation with SCO, and seeing itself as a member of this family.
Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Rashid Alimov and Azerbaijan’s ambassador to China Akram Zeynally spoke at the event.
A video footage related to Azerbaijan was shown after the speeches.
Then masters of art went onto the scene. Our dances were performed by “Mirvari” dance group. The audience showed much interest towards the songs and ethno-jazz compositions performed by soloist Ulkar Aliyeva, tarzan Shahriyar Imanov, and his band. People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Alim Gasymov and his daughter, Honoured Artist Fergana Gasymova performed mugham desgahs.
Under the influence of magnificent Azerbaijani music, visitors danced “Yally” together with our dancers.
Video footages were presented during the concert programme, on a big monitor installed on the scene, about Azerbaijan, its history, sightseeing, contemporary advancement, culture, architecture, international events organized in Azerbaijan, events arranged in our country and abroad aiming to promote the culture of Azerbaijan, as well as the tolerant and multicultural values existing in Azerbaijan.
The day of Azerbaijani culture was finalized by a dinner-party, where delicious dishes of our cuisine – dolma, kebab, pilaf, kyukyu, baklava, and shekerbura – were served.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an interstate international organization established in 2001 with participation of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Last year, India and Pakistan were admitted to SCO as full members. Azerbaijan attaches great importance to relations and cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which represents about half of the world population, one fourth of the world’s GDP, and 80 percent of Eurasia’s territory. Our country is represented at the organization with the status of “partner for dialogue”.
The day of Azerbaijani culture has been Chinese mass media’s focus of attention. The Chinese Central Television (CCTV) made a one-hour report about the event. Moreover, information agencies, influential newspapers presented articles and news.
